“Don’t look down on homeless people,” Diane says emphatically. 
“You could be there too.”  She should know.

The American Dream

Just a few years ago, the thought of becoming homeless never crossed Diane’s mind.  Her life was so good!  She married a wonderful man, their children were growing up well, and she loved her job as a medical assistant.

Then, without warning, Diane’s “American dream” fell apart.  Her husband divorced her for what she describes as “a younger model.”  Suddenly alone and terribly hurt, Diane sank into depression.  She couldn’t keep her job, and that meant she couldn’t’ keep her home either.  Diane was homeless.

Thirty Dollars

Diane had nothing, and her children were unable to support her.  In fact, she wouldn’t have been able to come to the Atlantic City Rescue Mission, except that her oldest daughter wired her $30 for bus fare.

That $30 took her to a whole new life.  “I called the Mission and they told me to come, and they welcomed me and loved me – they were here for me!”  The staff members weren’t the only ones to support Diane; our donors were there for her, too, through their prayers and giving.

Joy Every Day

“God is all through this building,” Diane says, and with His help she now looks to the future with hope.  Once she regained her self-esteem and began to recover from her depression, Diane was excited to get back into the community.  “I arrived at the Mission in mid-November and got back on my feet,” she explains.  “I moved to my new apartment in March.”

Just because she’s self-sufficient again doesn’t’ mean she’s through with the Mission!  Diane now comes in to volunteer!

We love Diane for her truly positive attitude.  “I’ve forgiven my ex-husband, and my children love to see me.  I wake up with joy every day!  My dream is to be a substance abuse counselor.”  And to our donors she says, “We are very grateful – you have helped so much.  Without you we couldn’t get the help that’s available.” 

When tragedy strikes, the compassion of our donors gives people like Diane a refuge and a fresh start anchored in God’s love.  Thank you for helping her find a new dream!

“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.  O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.”  Psalm 30;’11-12, niv